In a development closely watched by Hindu Americans, the US Department of Justice has closed its forced-labour investigation into BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey — the largest Hindu temple in the United States — without filing any charges. The closure, reported in September 2025, brought relief to a community that had watched the case for more than four years.

What Happened

In May 2021, federal agents searched the Akshardham construction site in Robbinsville after a civil lawsuit alleged that workers recruited from India on religious visas had been underpaid and made to work long hours during the temple’s construction. The allegations drew national headlines and were tied to a civil suit filed on behalf of some former workers.

The Outcome

More than four years later, the Department of Justice closed its investigation, with reporting indicating that no evidence of human trafficking or forced labour was found and that no criminal charges would be brought. For BAPS and its volunteers and devotees, the closure was received as a vindication after years of uncertainty.

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The Civil Case Continues

The criminal probe’s closure does not end the matter entirely: a separate civil lawsuit continues in federal court. According to reporting, an amended complaint added plaintiffs, though several later withdrew their claims, saying they had been misled by counsel. BAPS has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout.

What It Means for Minority Faiths & NRIs

Beyond the headlines, community advocates say the episode underscores the need for fair process and balanced coverage when minority-faith institutions face long investigations — and the importance of legal preparedness and advocacy for the wider Hindu-American community. For NRIs, it is also a reminder of how central temples like Akshardham have become to community life in America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with the BAPS Akshardham federal investigation?

In May 2021, federal agents searched the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham construction site in Robbinsville, New Jersey, after a civil lawsuit alleged forced labour. In September 2025 the US Department of Justice closed its investigation without filing charges, finding no evidence of trafficking or forced labour.

Does this mean BAPS was cleared?

The criminal investigation ended with no charges. A separate civil lawsuit continues in federal court; reporting notes that several plaintiffs later withdrew their claims. The temple has consistently denied wrongdoing.

Why does this case matter for Hindu Americans?

Many community leaders view the outcome as relief and vindication, while raising questions about fair treatment and media coverage of minority-faith institutions during long investigations.

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Is the temple open to visitors?

Yes — BAPS Akshardham in Robbinsville remains open and is the largest Hindu temple in the Western Hemisphere.

Key Takeaways

  • DOJ closed the BAPS Akshardham forced-labour investigation in Sept 2025 — no charges.
  • A separate civil case continues; the temple denies wrongdoing.
  • Community leaders frame it as relief and a lesson in advocacy for minority faiths.

See Hindu temple growth in the USA and Hindus in the USA.

Sources